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Which Dubai Setup Is Right for You? Choosing the Right Dubai Setup in 2025
Moving your UK business to Dubai? The right structure will decide whether your move is smooth and compliant — or a costly misstep. This guide uses two simple visuals to help you map your options, choose between Freezone and Mainland, and secure your tax-free base.
Step 1 – Map Your Move
Before choosing a license, decide how your UK Ltd fits into your Dubai plan. Will it keep trading as a subcontractor, or will you migrate all operations to a UAE entity?
What the flowchart tells you:
- If UAE sales are planned → Mainland LLC or Freezone with local agent.
- If no UAE retail sales → Freezone FZ-LLC is faster and lower cost.
- Either way, align banking, visa, and control shifts with SRT to keep HMRC out of the picture.
Step 2 – Compare Your Options
Once you’ve picked your route, the next question is where you’ll license your company.
Decision factors:
- Cost: Freezone is leaner; Mainland offers full local access.
- Sales Rights: Mainland = direct UAE sales; Freezone = global only without an agent.
- Banking: Both offer strong corporate banking — choose based on trade patterns.
Step 3 – Act Fast on Compliance
To lock in your 0% UAE tax position:
- Secure your UAE visa early — it starts your tax exit clock.
- Open a UAE corporate bank account.
- Migrate contracts, IP, and control into your UAE entity before SRT deadlines.
Book a Private UAE Structuring Call to get a tailored plan for your move.
Explore More – Set Up a Business in Dubai from the UK: Step-by-Step in 2025
This article is part of the Dubai Shift content series on legal UAE business setups for UK founders, covering Freezone vs Mainland licensing, sales rights, and compliant tax-free structures. Explore more at: https://dubaishift.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Mainland companies can sell directly within the UAE. Freezone companies can trade globally but need a local agent for UAE retail sales.
No. Freezone businesses must appoint a local agent or distributor to conduct UAE retail sales.
Freezone companies are often better for global trade due to lower setup costs and streamlined international banking.
Yes. Current UAE rules allow 100% foreign ownership for most activities in both Mainland and Freezone structures.
Choose Mainland if you plan to sell directly in the UAE. Choose Freezone if your focus is international trade without UAE retail clients.
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